‘A Nation United’ campaign achieves major breakthroughs in drug seizures and criminal arrests: Officials

During the five months since the launch of the ‘A Nation United’ national operation, a total of 1,911 individuals addicted to drugs have been successfully rehabilitated, according to the Police Media Spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police F. U. Wootler.

Speaking at a media briefing to update the progress of the ‘A Nation United’ national campaign today (26), the Police Media Spokesperson further stated that a new WhatsApp number, 0777 128128, has been introduced to the general public to report all criminal activities occurring in the Western Province.

The Police Media Spokesperson also mentioned that 608 police stations across the country are connected to the 1997 and 119 numbers for organized crime, enabling the public to provide information regarding these crimes.

He added that information has now been revealed regarding several police officers who provided information to drug traffickers, and steps have been taken to suspend their duties.

Sri Lanka Police Contribution

Since the launch of the ‘A Nation United’ national operation on October 30, 2025, by yesterday (25), police have seized 1,071 kg and 338 grams of heroin, 1,938 kg and 299 grams of crystal methamphetamine (‘Ice), 4,917 kg and 387 grams of cannabis and 99,454 narcotic pills.

During this period, 114,000 suspects have been arrested nationwide, of which 215 are under investigation for illegal assets, ASP Wootler noted.

Of these suspects, 2,367 are currently under further investigation based on court-issued detention orders.

From January 1, 2026, to date, 2.4 million individuals have been inspected and 1,479 of them have been arrested for various offenses.

Among those subjected to inspection, over 35,000 persons on warrants have been taken into custody.

Additionally, 28,270 drivers under the influence of drugs have been apprehended.

So far this year, police have seized 656 kg of heroin. During 2024, 2025, and 2026, 29 organized crime offenders have been extradited under extradition laws, with another 89 persons expected to be extradited shortly.

In 2024, assets worth Rs. 1,597 million from 49 suspects were seized and temporarily disabled, while in 2025, assets worth Rs. 1,546 million—including gold, cash, vehicles, and land—were confiscated, according to the Police Media Spokesperson.

For 2026, authorities have seized assets worth Rs. 170 million.

From 2024 to 2026, police have destroyed 1,065 kg and 462 grams of heroin, 355 kg and 881 grams of cocaine, 659 kg and 690 grams of Ice, 913 kg and 124 grams of cannabis and 15.1 million drug tablets.

Sri Lanka Army Contribution

Sri Lanka Army’s Director of Media Brigadier Waruna Gamage stated that the Army has actively participated in the ‘A Nation United’ national operation under the direct supervision of the Army Commander.

He added that the Army collaborated with the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Police and Special Task Force to collect information on local and foreign drug trafficking operations.

Approximately 7,000 Army personnel have participated in operations nationwide, directly supporting 200 operations, according to Brigadier Waruna Gamage.

Sri Lanka Air Force Contribution

Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura, the spokesperson for the Sri Lanka Air Force stated that the Air Force has conducted around 250 hours of aerial surveillance during the operation.

He explained that the Navy primarily handled identifying unauthorized boats entering the country, with support from the Air Force from the air and ground.

The Air Force also conducted surveillance using drones and continuously supported anti-drug trafficking operations, Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura.

Sri Lanka Navy Contribution

Commander Buddhika Sampath, the Spokesperson for the Sri Lanka Navy, stated that the Navy’s main role is securing international maritime zones, exchanging intelligence and controlling illegal narcotics.

In 2025, Naval operations seized heroin, ice and cocaine with a street value exceeding Rs. 71 billion. In 2026, the Navy seized narcotics worth over Rs. 25 billion.

So far this year, the Navy has secured nine multi-day vessels and 49 individuals, and last year, 13 multi-day vessels, along with 123 yachts containing narcotics and cigarettes, Commander Buddhika Sampath noted.

The Navy Spokesperson emphasized that operations will intensify to prevent any traffickers from bringing illicit drugs into the country.

Sri Lanka Customs Contribution

Chandana Punchihewa, the Spokesperson for Sri Lanka Customs, stated that Customs has played a major role in the ‘A Nation United’ national operation.

He also claimed that the release of 323 disputed containers was partially investigated, confirming no issues with some of these containers.

In 2025, Customs conducted 147 drug seizures of various types, seizing 435 kg of narcotics with a total value of Rs. 5.8 billion, the Customs Spokesperson noted.